Johannesburg: The South African president on Thursday urged G20's continued advocacy for diplomatic solutions to conflicts around the world. The G20 foreign ministers' meeting officially started in Johannesburg, with the attendance of foreign ministers and representatives of over 30 countries and international organizations.
According to Anadolu Agency, Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of peaceful conflict resolution through inclusive dialogue, citing South Africa's experience as a testament to achieving sustainable and lasting peace. He highlighted the need for reforms in the UN Security Council to better align with current global realities.
Ramaphosa addressed the human toll and global insecurity resulting from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Sahel, and Gaza. He acknowledged the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as a critical step towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressing the necessity for a just peace aligned with UN resolutions and international law.
The South African presidency of the G20 marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time an African nation leads the forum. This underscores Africa's growing role in global economic, political, and environmental discussions. Ramaphosa outlined four priorities for South Africa's G20 leadership: disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income countries, just energy transition, and sustainable growth through critical minerals.
He pointed out the uneven impact of climate change on developing countries, calling for each nation to contribute to global climate efforts. Ramaphosa highlighted the severe impact of climate-induced disasters on countries unable to afford recovery costs, advocating for G20's focus on advancing debt sustainability, particularly for African and Global South countries.
Ramaphosa concluded by asserting that those most responsible for climate change have a duty to support those least responsible, reaffirming South Africa's commitment to addressing these global challenges during its G20 presidency.